Corporate BBQs Done Right: How to Wow Your Team this Summer

Something about the grill’s scent, sunshine on your face, and relaxed outdoor vibes brings people together. 

That’s why a catered summer BBQ is one of the most effective (and enjoyable) ways to show appreciation for your team. Whether planning a casual staff lunch, a milestone celebration, or a full-on summer bash, a corporate BBQ is a flexible, fun, and crowd-pleasing choice.

But to make it count, you need more than burgers and buns. Here’s how to plan a stress-free corporate BBQ for you—and impressive for your guests.

BBQ Grill

Prioritize Convenience

Your BBQ should feel effortless—for your team and the organizer. The goal is to create a seamless experience from start to finish without overwhelming your internal staff with logistics. A full-service catering company can provide staffing, rentals, and event coordination to ensure you don’t have to lift a finger – unless it’s for finger-licking good sauce like ours!  

What to look for in a corporate BBQ catering partner:

  • End-to-end service: From setup to cleanup, including tents, staffing, and equipment.
  • Flexible location options: Whether you’re hosting on-site at the office, in a park, or at a venue, your caterer should be equipped to roll with your plan. Consult your caterer for recommendations based on experience to ensure accessibility, safety and a seamless execution on the big day.
  • Dietary accommodations: A good caterer will easily provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary options. Allergies are also handled with the utomost food safety and care. 

Working with a full-service catering team lets you focus on enjoying the day rather than worrying about the details.

Make it an Act of Appreciation

A summer BBQ is more than just food—it’s a way to bring people together and show gratitude for your team’s hard work. Small details can elevate the traditional to unforgettable. 

Ideas to elevate the employee experience:

  • Branded touches: Custom menus, signage, or small favours go a long way.
  • Themed stations: Add some flair with globally inspired BBQ stations (think Korean BBQ, Caribbean jerk, or Southern-style smokehouse).
  • Activities & team-building: Add lawn games, trivia, or light entertainment to keep the energy up and encourage mingling.
  • Entertainment: Consider live music, a comedian, professional portrait artist, or magician.

These thoughtful touches turn a simple meal into a memorable employee experience.

Build a Scalable Menu

Feeding a large team? The key is designing a scalable menu without sacrificing quality. Think crowd-pleasers with the option to customize.

BBQ menu staples that scale well:

  • Grilled classics: Burgers, sausages, chicken skewers, and veggie burgers.
  • Seasonal sides: Pasta salads, grilled corn, slaws, and watermelon wedges.
  • Toppings bars: Let guests dress their plates with condiments, sauces, and fresh garnishes. Having multiple stations prevents long lines.
  • Dessert add-ons: Keep it simple with cookies and fruit—or add a treat like ice cream sandwiches or mini pies.

Skip drop off and go full service. If the opportunity allows for on-site grilling don’t pass on hiring chefs. It ensures the food is fresh off the grill, adds a level of theatre and interaction that turns the BBQ into an experience.

Don’t Forget the Drinks

A well-stocked drink station is essential, especially for hot summer days. Offer a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to keep everyone refreshed. 

Drink station ideas:

  • Signature summer cocktails and mocktails
  • Iced tea, lemonade, and fruit-infused water
  • Local craft beer or cider (with proper permits if needed)
  • Healthy Sips like Kombucha or Fresh Pressed Juices
  • Milkshakes!

Plan Ahead (But Stay Flexible)

Summer calendars fill up fast, so the earlier you lock in your date and catering partner, the better. 

Weather and attendance can be unpredictable, so choose a team that can adapt if plans change. It’s always wise to ask your caterers policies around cancellations and read the terms and conditions carefully. 

Let’s Fire Up the Grill

At Kiss the Cook Catering, we make corporate BBQs easy, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Whether you’re feeding 30 or 300, our team handles the details so you can focus on celebrating your people.

Ready to plan a summer BBQ that brings your team together? Let’s chat! 

#muah!